Doctors typically collect sperm for clinical trials through methods like masturbation, but if a subject cannot or will not do so, alternative techniques may be considered. One such method is prostate stimulation, which can be performed manually or potentially with electrical stimulation, similar to practices used in animals. However, in cases of severe infertility or anatomical obstructions, a more invasive procedure called testicular sperm extraction (TESE) may be necessary, though it is painful and reserved for last-resort situations. Ethical concerns arise when considering sperm collection from pubertal boys, making it challenging to obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for such studies. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need for more research into less invasive sperm collection methods.
